The newly-proposed law on national emergency would potentially give Cambodian government unlimited access to martial power to enforce an emergency, while vastly controlling the citizenry’s online and offline activities.
The draft allows for a “state of emergency” to be declared in multiple scenarios, ranging from national security situations such as war or foreign invasion to public health concerns such as pandemics and severe calamity.
Hun Sen added that outgoing ministers were capable but had become “old” and that his government needed “active” ministers who could do timely work.
The Sesan II dam was highly controversial and a leaked government-commissioned study had warned of a devastating impact on the Mekong’s fisheries and ecosystem.
The drill and the events surrounding the fight against the virus mark a “new stage” in the relations between Beijing and Phnom Penh, said Chheang Vannarith, President of the Phnom Penh-based think-tank Asian Vision Institute.
Cambodia, he said, would need to enact a law first to implement the Article 22 of the Constitution, adding that he needs to know the scope of the state of emergency. Hun Sen did add that it would curtail “civil liberties.”
The U.S. Ambassador’s presence at the opposition leader’s treason trial and statement outside the courtroom signal setting aside soft approaches with Phnom Penh and putting front Washington’s opposition to the prosecution.
China and Cambodia bucked the global trend of event cancellations this week by starting joint military exercises as a way to show the world they’re over the coronavirus outbreak and getting friendlier despite apprehension in other countries.
Pol Pot’s favorite dishes were sour fish soup and dressed salads, Yung Moeun recalled, during her 2018 interview. “Pol Pot loved making jokes by saying the opposite thing. For example, if the food we cooked was a bit salty, he would say the food was watery.”
The council of judges and prosecution have characterized Sam Rainsy’s speeches, played in court over the last few weeks, as evidence of his alleged proclivity for “violence,” though providing little evidence to support the claim.
The council of judges’ line of questioning was similar to the prosecution’s assertion a few weeks ago that Kem Sokha’s repeated claims – in old speeches and stated political policies – that he only followed nonviolent strategies was moot because he associated with Sam Rainsy to form CNRP
The hearing resumed on Wednesday with Kem Sokha again not saying a single word in court, nor any evidence or arguments presented to prove his innocence or guilt in the treason case.
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